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FAQ for First Time Cruise Passengers
by Yanis O'Toole
http://www.yocruise.com
Planning a vacation for two - or a whole family - can be a
challenge. Mom wants to be pampered and catered to, Dad is
looking forward to hiking unknown trails. Meanwhile, 16 year
old Susie's plans include tennis and swimming, and 10 year
old Ben doesn't care, as long as there are video games.
Where will you find a vacation that will please them all?
On the high seas, of course! There are so many variations on
cruise vacations that you're sure to find one that will have
something that makes everyone happy. The many options for
style, destination, activities and ships make it easy to
find one cruise that have all the luxury, games, trips,
shopping and adventure that any family could want - even
when they all want something different. If you're
considering your first cruise, take a few tips from
experienced cruise vacationers to help you get the most out
of your first trip at sea.
How can I get the best price on a cruise? If you've leafed
through a cruise line brochure, you know that cruises are
high-ticket items. Here's a secret: almost no one pay the
brochure price for a cruise. To get the best deal for your
first cruise, do a little research. Check with multiple
travel agencies and booking web sites on the internet. Don't
overlook discount possibilities. You may find discounts
sponsored by your credit card company, a businessmen's
association, senior citizen organizations or the cruise line
itself. Keep an eye out for unexpected opportunities.
Companies often offer special incentives, upgrades and
discounts to encourage first time cruisers.
Or maybe you'd prefer a cozier trip on a smaller ship. River
cruises give you a chance to get to know your fellow
passengers better, and offer a close-up view of the culture
of your destination. Riverboats can offer all the luxury of
an enormous ocean liner without the frenetic busy-ness that
can be overwhelming if all you want is relaxation.
River tours down one of the major rivers in Europe, Asia or
the United States can give you a comfortable home base while
you explore towns and cities along the way. On board ship,
you can relax by the pool, dine at the Captain's table,
enjoy dancing and entertainment and join in on ship board
activities.
When is the best time to take a cruise? It's always a good
time to take a cruise. It just depends on where you want to
go. Some places, like the Caribbean, are great year round.
Others are seasonal. Alaskan cruises are available between
May and September, for instance, and Bermuda between April
and October. If you have a particular destination in mind,
check with your travel agent to be sure of availability.
Your choice of cruise will make a difference in what you
pack as well. The handiest bit of advice for any cruise is
to pack lots of lightweight, casual clothing that you can
layer. There can be wide temperature variations out at sea,
and it's best to be able to easily add or remove layers for
warmth. Dressy clothes? On a river cruise you'll want to
pack at least one semi-formal, dressy dinner outfit. For an
ocean cruise, you'll want more than one. Dressing for dinner
is expected.
Invest in cruise insurance. Cruise insurance will pay the
cost of your cruise if unforseen circumstances cause you to
cancel at the last minute. The price of the premium is a
small expense compared to losing thousands of dollars if a
family emergency forces you to cancel your plans.
Don't bring a lot of expensive camera equipment. DO bring
extra camera batteries and lots more film than you think
you'll use.
Can I take my kids on a cruise? Absolutely. While there are
some 'adults only' cruises, taking a cruise is becoming more
and more popular for families with children. About 32% of
all cruises are booked for families traveling with children.
Most ships provide babysitters and lots of kids' activities
to keep them entertained.
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